son, don't mess around

Snowflakes drifted down from the sky, adding new snow to the already unmelted snow.

The night seemed to grow even colder!
In the Jiang residence, in front of the hall, the lamplight flickered, and the cold wind made the firelight on the wall sway wildly, illuminating several figures inside the hall.

Lin Qingqing hurried over and told Sister Zhiyuan about His Highness's instructions.

Upon hearing the news, Paper Kite's expression turned solemn in the hall.

Something has happened in the palace!
It's even highly likely that...

Zhiyuan suddenly stood up and quickly walked out of the hall.

But after taking only two steps, she remembered something and stopped.

"Qingqing."

Paper Kite turned around and said coldly, "Go quickly and gather the forces left behind in the capital by the Prince's Palace. Send word to everyone to be prepared."

"Yes!"

Lin Qingqing naturally realized the seriousness of the situation. After receiving the news from the palace, His Highness rushed into the palace and even left behind his 'last words'.

Therefore, Lin Qingqing did not hesitate at all, and left in a hurry after informing Sister Yuan of the news.

After Lin Qingqing left, Zhiyuan looked at the other two figures in the hall and took out a token from her bosom.

"Jasmine, take this token and leave the city immediately. Go to the east of the city to mobilize the old troops that the prince has stationed outside the city and be ready at any time."

Zhiyuan paused, her tone cold and indifferent: "If no news from His Highness arrives before dawn, you shall lead your troops into the city directly."

"Kill anyone who gets in our way!"

A cold tone, filled with an undeniable, chilling murderous intent, permeated the hall.

Over the years, the imperial court had been secretly monitoring and guarding against the prince. But the prince, right under the court's nose, had also gradually infiltrated various factions in the capital.

Many years ago, the prince had planted a pawn outside the capital, placing an elite army there.

For years, this elite force has been hiding outside the capital, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Now, the time has finally come to use it.

Jasmine and Wind Chime exchanged a glance. Over the past year, they had followed Paper Kite's side and all they ever saw was Paper Kite, who had a cool and aloof demeanor and seemed indifferent to worldly affairs.

I have never seen Sister Paper Kite so sharp and radiant before.

Jasmine stepped forward and took the token from Paper Kite, nodding emphatically: "Don't worry, Sister Paper Kite, I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

After saying that, Jasmine turned and left in a hurry.

Inside the hall, only the wind chimes remained standing in place.

"Sister Paper Kite, what about me?"

Wind Chime hurried forward: "What should I do there?"

"You stay at the Jiang residence and prepare the carriages and horses."

Paper Kite said coldly, "If there is any unusual activity in the palace, go to the palace immediately to provide support and be ready to arrange an evacuation from the capital at any time."

"no problem!"

After giving instructions to everyone around her, Zhiyuan stepped out of the hall. Snowflakes were falling softly from the sky, and the world was covered in white, almost turning the night into day.

The atmosphere inside the Jiang residence was somber, with everyone tense and busy mobilizing.

Zhiyuan looked up towards the distant palace, her dark, bright pupils revealing undisguised worry.

The next second, the kite vanished from its spot. Like a shooting star appearing in the darkness, it streaked towards the palace.

……

At night, a carriage travels along streets covered in thick snow, crosses the moat bridge, and finally stops outside the imperial city.

A curfew had already been imposed outside the palace gates.

The area was heavily guarded by imperial guards, with patrolling soldiers moving back and forth, creating a solemn and imposing atmosphere.

The carriage was stopped outside the palace gates, and a general of the Imperial Guards walked up to it. He looked up, his gaze immediately hardening: "Eunuch Xu? What are you doing here…?"

The Imperial Guard commander's gaze fell on the carriage behind him.

An elderly man in plain clothes stood in front of the carriage: "We are acting on His Majesty's orders."

As he spoke, the old man took out a token from his robes. When the Imperial Guard general's gaze fell upon the token, he immediately said respectfully, "So it is His Majesty's decree. Please, sir."

With that, the Imperial Guard commander waved his hand behind him: "Open the palace gates!"

Then, the Imperial Guard general made way for the old man, who nodded and drove his carriage into the palace.

The carriage slowly entered the palace, passed in front of the main hall, and finally arrived outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your Highness, we have arrived!"

The old man looked at the carriage behind him, his tone respectful.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Lin Jiangnian stepped out of the carriage and looked up.

The night was chilly, and fine snowflakes drifted down from the sky, like soft, fluffy cotton.

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, all was silent.

However, the surrounding area was filled with fully armed Imperial Guards, whose figures could be seen everywhere outside the main hall. Yet, the world was utterly silent, a rather eerie scene.

Sure enough, something happened!

The fact that the Hall of Mental Cultivation is so heavily guarded tonight is enough to prove that something has happened to the palace... or more precisely, to that emperor.

Did Chen Zhao return after leaving?
Or……

Lin Jiangnian alighted from the carriage and was about to head to the Hall of Mental Cultivation when he noticed a carriage parked not far away.

Lin Jiangnian was no stranger to the people in the carriage.

Zhao Jing!

The steward of the Zhao family!
Is Zhao Jing here?
Inside the carriage...

Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on the carriage. As Zhao Jing lifted the curtain, an elderly man with gray hair quickly stepped out of the carriage.

Sure enough, it was Prime Minister Zhao!
Zhao Xiang, in sight, was dressed in a gray robe and long coat, completely covered from head to toe. Zhao Jing, standing beside him, held an umbrella, shielding Zhao Xiang from the frost and snow.

As Zhao Xiang alighted from the carriage, he suddenly paused, his gaze meeting that of Lin Jiangnian, who stood not far away.

In an instant, anger flashed in Zhao Xiang's eyes. It was as if he had seen some heartless beast who had bullied his daughter.

But only for a moment, and the anger dissipated, returning to calm.

As expected of Zhao Xiang, a veteran of three dynasties, his character is indeed far beyond that of ordinary people.

"Prime Minister Zhao, what a coincidence!"

Lin Jiangnian was the first to greet them, his face full of enthusiasm.

However, Zhao Xiang stared at him with a gloomy look in his eyes: "Why are you here?"

"Naturally, just like Prime Minister Zhao."

As if he had anticipated something, Zhao Xiang looked Lin Jiangnian up and down with a deep gaze, then snorted coldly without saying a word.

Zhao Xiang remained silent, but Lin Jiangnian took the initiative to warmly approach him and strike up a conversation: "It's been quite a while since we last met. How is your health, Zhao Xiang? The weather has been getting colder lately, so please take care of yourself. The court is in dire straits, and the entire court is relying on you, Zhao Xiang..."

Before Lin Jiangnian could finish his polite words, Zhao Xiang interrupted him: "You brat, stop trying to curry favor. I haven't settled the score with you for what happened last time."

"I'll let you off the hook for now, but don't push your luck!"

Recalling how this brat had dared to sneak into the Zhao residence to meet his daughter a few days ago, Prime Minister Zhao was furious. Did this brat really not take him seriously?

Zhao Xiang was already seething with anger after this brat escaped right under his nose last time. Seeing the brat's grinning face again only fueled his rage.

Zhao Xiang naturally showed no kindness and did not give this brat a chance to continue pestering him. He strode towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

However, Lin Jiangnian was completely unaware of this. After all, he was Zhao Xi's biological father, and no matter what, he still had to give him some face.

Although Zhao Xiang didn't give him a friendly look, Lin Jiangnian, as a junior, believed that he should still show proper manners.

Furthermore, although Zhao Xiang's actions in separating the couple were indeed excessive, upon closer examination, his actions were not unreasonable, whether as the prime minister or as a father.

If it were Lin Jiangnian, he would definitely react more strongly than Zhao Xiang if he saw another man coming out of his daughter's room.

more importantly……

Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes to look at the Hall of Mental Cultivation ahead, his gaze gradually deepening.

Tonight, His Majesty not only summoned him, but also Chancellor Zhao. This is enough to show that the situation seems to be more serious than imagined…

……

The encounter outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation was just a minor incident.

Afterwards, Lin Jiangnian and Prime Minister Zhao entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation one after the other. In the outer courtyard of the hall, Eunuch Chen, who was by His Majesty's side, had been waiting for a long time.

Upon Lin Jiangnian and Prime Minister Zhao's appearance, Eunuch Chen stepped forward with a broad smile: "Prime Minister Zhao, Your Highness, you've arrived?!"

Whether it was a misperception or not, Lin Jiangnian could clearly sense that Eunuch Chen's attitude seemed to be better than before.

Zhao Xiang's face remained expressionless: "Eunuch Chen, where is His Majesty?"

"His Majesty is in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and has specially ordered this old servant to welcome you two."

With a smile on his face, Eunuch Chen looked respectfully at Prime Minister Zhao: "His Majesty specifically instructed that you, Prime Minister Zhao, should go in first."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Zhao didn't say much, but merely glanced back at Lin Jiangnian. His eyes remained unfriendly, and with a cold snort, he turned and walked towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment."

Eunuch Chen looked at Lin Jiangnian beside him and said with a smile.

Lin Jiangnian glanced at the Hall of Mental Cultivation and asked, "Eunuch Chen, what exactly is going on? Why did His Majesty suddenly summon us so late at night?"

"This old servant doesn't know," Eunuch Chen shook his head.

Lin Jiangnian seemed to be deep in thought, then asked, "Eunuch Chen, how is His Majesty's health?"

Upon hearing this, he seemed to notice a change in Eunuch Chen's expression, but Eunuch Chen still shook his head: "His Majesty will summon His Highness the Crown Prince later, and His Highness will then be able to see His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jiangnian didn't ask any further questions, nodded, and casually looked around.

Soon, Lin Jiangnian discovered several powerful auras hiding in the dark corners of the surrounding area.

These are all palace servants, top-notch imperial guards.

Seeing this, Lin Jiangnian's unease grew stronger... something terrible must have happened!
……

In the main hall.

Lin Jiangnian waited for more than an hour!

The snowflakes in the sky gradually stopped, leaving his collar covered in snow. Lin Jiangnian yawned, feeling somewhat drowsy.

The quiet of the night makes it so easy to fall asleep.

Until I heard Eunuch Chen's voice.

"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you!"

Lin Jiangnian then came to his senses, looked up, and saw that Eunuch Chen's old face was full of wrinkles as he smiled: "Your Highness, please come with me."

Lin Jiangnian yawned and nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Father-in-law."

"This is what this old servant should do."

Eunuch Chen nodded and led Lin Jiangnian to the outside of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

At that moment, Prime Minister Zhao walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

His face was gloomy, his eyes were serious, and he looked down as if he was thinking about something. He was surrounded by an aura of worry.

When he saw Lin Jiangnian at the door, he stopped and his gaze fell on him.

But this time, his gaze toward Lin Jiangnian was devoid of anger, replaced by a deep and complex emotion.

"Prime Minister Zhao?"

Lin Jiangnian noticed that Zhao Xiang's expression was off and tentatively spoke up.

But Zhao Xiang said nothing, looked away, and turned to leave.

Lin Jiangnian watched Zhao Xiang's departing figure, lost in thought, when he heard Eunuch Chen's voice: "Your Highness, please go in quickly."

Lin Jiangnian snapped out of his daze, pushed open the door of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and went inside.

The hall was silent and empty, filled with a strong smell of herbs. Occasionally, loud coughs could be heard.

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Lin Jiangnian met Li Cining at the back of the palace.

Through the screen and several gauze curtains, one could vaguely see a person lying on the dragon bed not far away.

The coughing and the smell in the air hinted at something.

"His Majesty."

Lin Jiangnian spoke first.

"It's my brother-in-law!"

From behind the screen came Li Cining's weak voice, hoarse and low, as if she was suppressing some painful emotion.

That sound sent a chill down one's spine.

"You come in."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jiangnian stepped behind the screen, lifted the gauze curtain, and saw Li Cining lying on the dragon bed.

The next second, Lin Jiangnian's pupils suddenly contracted.

Li Cining lay on the dragon bed in sight, her face deathly pale, devoid of any color, her whole body like withered grass, her expression haggard.

Weak breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a pervasive chill that seemed impossible to block despite being wrapped in thick clothing.

Li Cining lay on the dragon bed, seemingly utterly powerless, his entire being extremely weak. He was clearly at his last gasp, on the verge of death!
"Your Majesty, you..."

Lin Jiangnian's expression changed slightly. He had guessed it was possible, but he still didn't expect it to be like this.

Just two days ago, I heard that Li Cining was radiant and full of vigor at the morning court session. How could he have become like this in less than two days?

What exactly is going on?

"Sister, brother-in-law."

Upon seeing Lin Jiangnian, Li Cining's pale face seemed to regain a bit of vitality. He breathed heavily, and his hoarse voice confirmed that his body was finally nearing its end.

"I'm afraid my days are numbered..."

"..." (End of this chapter)